Pelomedusa

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Genus: Pelomedusa

Pelomedusa is a genus of freshwater turtles known as African helmeted turtles. They are famous for their flexible necks, allowing them to fold their heads sideways under the shell instead of pulling straight back. These turtles are found across much of Africa and parts of the Middle East, living in shallow rivers, swamps, and ponds. They are hardy, adaptable, and often seen basking near water.

Pelomedusa variabilis (Variable Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa variabilis is a freshwater turtle known for its subtle differences in shell shape and color across different regions. It’s a recently recognized species that was once grouped with the more widespread Pelomedusa subrufa. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa variabilis Common Names Variable Helmeted TurtleAfrican Variable Mud Turtle Identification DescriptionPelomedusa…

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Pelomedusa subrufa (East African Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa subrufa is a small, semi-aquatic turtle found widely across Africa. It’s known for its helmet-shaped head and ability to survive in both water and dry conditions. This turtle is hardy, adaptable, and often seen in temporary ponds or roadside ditches. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa subrufa Common Names Identification…

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Pelomedusa somalica (Somali Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa somalica, also known as the Somali Helmeted Turtle, is a freshwater species found in the Horn of Africa. It was once grouped under Pelomedusa subrufa but is now recognized as a separate species based on genetic studies. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa somalica Common Names Somali Helmeted TurtleSomali Mud…

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Pelomedusa schweinfurthi (Schweinfurth’s Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa schweinfurthi, or Schweinfurth’s Helmeted Turtle, is a lesser-known freshwater turtle found in parts of central and eastern Africa. It belongs to a group of turtles known for their unique way of hiding their heads sideways into their shells instead of pulling them straight back. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa…

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Pelomedusa olivacea (Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa olivacea, also known as Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle, is a freshwater turtle found across parts of West and Central Africa. It’s part of the Pelomedusidae family and is known for its hinged plastron and helmet-like head. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa olivacea Common Names Schweigger’s African Helmeted TurtleWest African…

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Pelomedusa neumanni (Neumann’s marsh terrapin)

Pelomedusa neumanni, or Neumann’s marsh terrapin, is a freshwater turtle native to East Africa. Known for its adaptability, this species thrives in various aquatic environments, often surviving in harsh conditions where other turtles might struggle. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa neumanni Common Names Neumann’s marsh terrapinEast African marsh terrapin Identification…

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Pelomedusa kobe (Kobe Helmeted Turtle)

The Kobe Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa kobe) is a freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive domed shell and preference for still or slow-moving waters. It is part of the Pelomedusidae family, which includes other African side-necked turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa kobe Common Names Kobe Helmeted TurtleKobe Side-necked Turtle…

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Pelomedusa gehafie (Eritrean helmeted turtle)

Pelomedusa gehafie, known as the Eritrean helmeted turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to the Horn of Africa. It stands out from its close relatives with subtle physical differences and occupies a unique ecological niche in its native range. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa gehafie Common Names Eritrean helmeted turtle…

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Pelomedusa galeata (South African helmeted terrapin)

The South African helmeted terrapin, Pelomedusa galeata, is a freshwater turtle found in southern Africa. Known for its domed shell and ability to thrive in temporary water bodies, it’s a resilient species adapted to challenging environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa galeata Common Names South African helmeted terrapinGaleata terrapin Identification…

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Pelomedusa barbata (African Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa barbata, known as the African Helmeted Turtle, is a freshwater turtle famous for its hinged plastron and tough, dome-shaped shell. It’s a hardy species, well-adapted to survive harsh conditions like droughts. Scientific Classification Common Names African Helmeted TurtleBarbata Helmeted Turtle Identification DescriptionThis turtle has a broad, oval-shaped shell, often dark brown or olive in…

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Genus: Pelomedusa

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